News

Mass for Expectant Mothers

Tuesday 16 May 2017

Life, Marriage and Family Office

More than 30 expectant mothers and their families joined the congregation at St Patrick’s Cathedral last Sunday 14 May, to celebrate Mass on Mother’s Day with Archbishop Hart. In his welcome, and later in his homily, the Archbishop noted that this Mother’s Day coincided with the 100th anniversary of the apparitions of Our Lady at Fatima in Portugal. It was a fitting day to celebrate the meaning and value of motherhood.

In his homily, Archbishop Hart highlighted the way motherhood and the expectation of a child raises great hope and joy which is often mixed with uncertainty and trepidation at what lies ahead. He reflected on his time as a hospital chaplain where he saw the extremes of joy and suffering that childbirth can bring. He thanked the mothers, including the expectant ones present, for the generosity and sacrifices they make for their children.

Drawing on Pope Francis’s words the previous day at Fatima, he noted how Our Mother Mary never seeks her own glory, but seeks always to direct our gaze toward her son Jesus. The loss of our mother, he pointed out, is always a painful experience. Their contributions to our lives are singular and irreplaceable.

But, he emphasised, united to Jesus Christ and his mother, we are never left alone. Each of us has Mary as a mother who never ceases to remain beside us and call us on. He also encouraged the mothers present, including those expecting a child, in the important role they have, like Mary, in gently leading their families toward their heavenly home.